In a recent interview, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko refuted claims of indirect negotiations with Russia to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova also denied reports of indirect talks with Ukraine in Qatar. The Washington Post reported that Russia was preparing for secret talks facilitated by Qatar, but Ukraine’s incursion into Russia disrupted these plans.
A recent online summit on energy security saw over 40 countries and international organizations in attendance, with a communiqué adopted condemning attacks on civilian power grids. The document may be presented to the Russian government with the help of intermediary states.
Amidst escalating attacks, Ukraine targeted Russian oil facilities while Russia launched a massive campaign against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The outcome of the alleged talks remained uncertain, with some Ukrainian officials expressing skepticism about Russia’s sincerity.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims, but the impact of Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast in Russia helped shift the narrative of Russia’s invincibility in the war.
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